As you know, I’ve been a proponent of the American Express Platinum Card for sometime. Frankly, if you travel at all, you should at least consider adding the Platinum Card to your wallet. If you fly American, Delta, or US Airways, even better. Why? The Platinum Card will get you access to these airlines’ lounges on the day of travel if you hold a boarding pass on their flights. In the case of US Airways, they’ll grant you access to the US Airways Club whether you’re flying them or not. Continental Airlines has been a longtime participant in both the Platinum/Centurion lounge access program as well as an Amex Membership Rewards transfer partner. As of September 30, 2011, that relationship goes away as Continental moves towards full integration with United. Oh well, life goes on. So let’s talk about why this card is an even better deal for travelers.
Amex made some changes to the card last year which they marketed as “The Next Generation” of the Platinum Card. I blogged about those changes then, which included a $200 dollar airline “fee credit” per year, a 20 percent bonus on travel purchases made with Membership Rewards points, and a new travel app that includes a subscription to TripIt Pro, a $49 dollar value. That’s something, but recently, Amex has rolled out even more enhancements to the Platinum Card product that are worth real money.
First, the lounge access program now includes Priority Pass Select membership. This adds access to over 600 lounges worldwide. Notably, the Select level of membership does NOT include access to Continental and United lounges that participate in the Priority Pass program. No doubt a nod to Chase, which is the issuer of both the Continental and United mileage credit cards. Still, this is a real enhancement. Second, if you decide to register for the Global Entry program, a US Government offering which allows you to bypass lengthy customs and immigration lines at certain US airports, Amex will credit the $100 dollar application fee back to your account. Finally, Amex no longer charges its Platinum and Centurion Card holders that annoying foreign transaction fee when making purchases overseas. So now you’ll be saving 2.7 percent on foreign purchases when using the card overseas. You can read American Express’ presser on these enhancements here.
At $450 dollars per year, this Card isn’t for everyone. But if you are a frequent traveler who is likely to purchase a lounge membership from one of their lounge partners, the lounge access alone basically pays for the card. Couple that with the real enhancements that Amex has made to the Platinum Card, and there’s no question that many travelers should carry this card in their wallets. I know I do. Not to sound corny, but I never leave home without it.
Disclosure: If you apply for and receive an Amex Platinum Card through the link I provided above, I will receive a commission.
I heard that Platinum card hold will have complimentary SPG platinum Elite status. Is that true? I talked to SPG CS, but they said it is not true. I am really confused.
As great as that would be, I’ve heard nothing of the sort, and I don’t believe it to be true. The Centurion Card once included SPG Platinum, but that was removed a few years ago. I can’t imagine it would come to the Platinum product. Where did you hear this information?
Hi Marshall,
Nice article. I am currently using the Citibank Aadvantage card. I have been a member since 1994. I am thinking of getting another credit card. I heard good things about the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express. What is your opinion on this card? Amex Platinum is also on the top of my list.
Jonathan,
Thanks for commenting. I’ll be honest, I carry the Starwood Amex as well. It’s a great card. In fact, I put most of my “everyday” expenses on the SPG card, and my travel expenses on the Platinum Card. You earn 1 point per dollar for non Starwood hotel purchases and bonus points for Starwood hotel expenses. If you transfer 20,000 Starpoints to your American AAdvantage account, SPG will kick in a 5,000 point bonus making your effective earning rate 1.25 AAdvantage miles per dollar.
If you can swing both cards, I say carry both. It depends on what your wants and needs are. Starwood points are among the most valuable frequent travel currency out there.
I believe Amex platnium gives you automatic SPG Gold status….
Yep AMEX platnium will give you SPG Gold status. You just have to call them up. I had to email a copy of my AMEX statement as proof.
http://thepointsguy.com/2011/02/free-starwood-gold-status/
I love my Platinum card. I’ll be sad when September rolls around and Continental drops off because I use the President’s Club almost every week. I fly Delta also and have gratis Sky Club this year, but that probably won’t last through next year, so I’ll keep the Platinum regardless. And yes, I got SPG Gold status with proof of my Amex statement.
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Can you take a guest into the Priority Pass lounges or only te primary cardholder? Can additional cardholders on the account go in the louges? With and/or without the primary cardholder?
You can take a guest, for a $27 dollar fee. Additional cardholders are eligible for their own Priority Pass Select membership, but must call to enroll if I recall correctly.
[...] The annual fee for my Amex Platinum Card just appeared on my monthly statement, and this year, just like every one before, I think about it. Is any card worth $450 dollars per year? The answer for now is yes. The card grants me lounge access to the airlines I fly most, American, Delta, and US Airways, and it is very likely that I would purchase lounge access from one of those airlines if I didn’t already get it with the Platinum Card. This, in combination with the Cruise Privileges Program, justify the annual fee for me. That’s just 2 of the many benefits this card offers travelers, so I will remain an Amex Platinum Cardmember for another year. You can read my post on the many other virtues of the Amex Platinum Card here. [...]
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